Gumptown Magazine

Jamal Thomas is a native of Cleveland Ohio. A first-generation college student, Jamal enrolled in Alabama State University in 2002. There he was a member of the Mighty Marching Hornet Band, Phi Beta Lambda Professional Business Fraternity, and Delta Mu Delta Honors Society. In 2007, Jamal with a B.S in Business Administration earned his M.B.A. from South University in 2009. Prior to getting his M.B.A., Jamal was an intern for Montgomery Spotlight Magazine, an African-American lifestyle publication. It wasn’t long before Thomas would be hired on as an Account Executive. He acquired major accounts to include McDonald’s, the Marines, and Jackson Hospital. After a year at Montgomery Spotlight, Thomas made the transition to radio sales and worked for WAPZ Radio in Wetumpka, AL.

It was 2011 when Thomas began to question his future. He asked God “How can I make my own money?” It was at this moment that Thomas received a divine vision to start Gumptown Magazine.

Seven years later, Gumptown Magazine has grown to become a key resource for the community. Gumptown Magazine is an urban business community directory in Montgomery that promotes local businesses and provides the latest coverage in urban business community news. Gumptown’s first issue was 10 pages with distribution of 1000 copies. Today the publication is 40 pages with a distribution of 2500 copies. Jamal sought assistance for startup and business development from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Alabama State University in 2011. Gumptown grew and prospered with the assistance of the SBDC. Jamal continues to work with the SBDC as his resource for business advisement.

All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. SBDC programs are open to the public and all services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Accommodations are made for individuals with disabilities.